Method and arrangements for stacking adapters

ABSTRACT

In one implementation, a connection system includes an adapter block assembly ( 130, 160 ) and methods for making thereof. In one aspect, the adapter block assembly ( 130, 160 ) includes a plurality of adapters ( 20 ), each of which having a slot structure ( 50 ). The adapter block assembly  130  can be built by providing a support structure ( 100 ) having a plurality of extension members ( 102 ) that engage with the adapter slot structures ( 50 ). In one implementation, a flange clip ( 200, 220 ) is removably inserted into the slot structure ( 50 ), wherein the flange clip ( 200, 220 ) has a second width (W 3 , W 4 ) that is greater than first width (W 1 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application SerialNo. 62/255,002, filed on Nov. 13, 2015, and claims the benefit of U.S.Patent Application Ser. No. 62/255,028, filed on Nov. 13, 2015, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic connectionsystems. Modern optical devices and optical communications systemswidely use fiber optic cables. Fiber optic cables are often used totransmit light signals for high speed data transmission. A fiber opticcable typically includes an optical fiber or optical fibers, a buffer orbuffers that surround the fiber or fibers, a strength layer thatsurrounds the buffer or buffers, and an outer jacket. The optical fibersfunction to carry optical signals. A typical optical fiber includes aninner core surrounded by a cladding that is covered by a coating.Buffers (e.g., loose or tight buffer tubes) typically function tosurround and protect coated optical fibers. Strength layers addmechanical strength to fiber optic cables to protect the internaloptical fibers against stresses applied to the cables duringinstallation and thereafter. Example strength layers include aramidyarn, steel, and epoxy reinforced glass roving. Outer jackets provideprotection against damage caused by crushing, abrasions, and otherphysical damage. Outer jackets also provide protection against chemicaldamage (e.g., ozone, alkali, acids).

Fiber optic cable connection systems are used to facilitate connectingand disconnecting fiber optic cables in the field without requiring asplice. A typical fiber optic cable connection system forinterconnecting two fiber optic cables includes fiber optic connectorsmounted at the ends of the fiber optic cables, and an adapter formechanically and optically coupling the fiber optic connectors together.Fiber optic connectors generally include ferrules that support the endsof the optical fibers of the fiber optic cables. The end faces of theferrules are typically polished and are often angled. The adapterincludes co-axially aligned ports (i.e., receptacles for receiving thefiber optic connectors desired to be interconnected). The adapterincludes an internal sleeve that receives and aligns the ferrules of thefiber optic connectors when the connectors are inserted within the portsof the adapter. With the ferrules and their associated fibers alignedwithin the sleeve of the adapter, a fiber optic signal can pass from onefiber to the next. Some systems are known which include alignment offibers but no ferrules.

Improvements in the area of fiber optic connection are desired.

SUMMARY

In one implementation, a fiber optic connection system includes a fiberoptic adapter assembly. The fiber optic adapter assembly can include aplurality of adapters, each of which having a housing with opposing topand bottom sides defining a first height and with opposing first andsecond sidewalls defining a first width. The housing extends between afirst end and a second end. The housing includes at least one port forreceiving a fiber optic connector.

The housing also defines a slot structure, wherein the slot structureextends along at least one of the bottom side, the first sidewall, andthe second sidewall. The housing slot structure can receive a variety ofremovable flange clips to suit different applications. The flange clipcan have a width that is greater than the housing width. The housing canalso include a recessed area for receiving a panel clip to aid inretaining the adapter on a panel.

In one configuration, an adapter block assembly can include a supportstructure for holding the plurality of adapters. The support structurecan be configured to hold multiple rows of stacked adapters, wherein thesupport structure is received into the slot structures of the adapters.

In another configuration, the adapter block assembly can include afixture for holding the plurality of adapters, wherein the fixtureincludes a plurality of extension members, at least some of which arereceived into the slot structures of the adapters. Connectors can beprovided that snap-fit with each other and the extension members tofacilitate vertical stacking of the adapters. The connectors have legsthat are also received into the slot structure of the adapters.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts uponwhich the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a top view of a fiber optic connection system having featuresthat are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with thedisclosure, the connection system including an adapter configured to fitwithin an SC footprint and a pair of male connectors to be matedtherethrough, wherein one of the male connectors is shown as partiallyinserted within the adapter;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adapter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the adapter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a first side view of the adapter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a second side view of the adapter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the adapter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the adapter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a supportstructure for holding a plurality of the adapters shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front view for the support structure shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a supportstructure for holding a plurality of the adapters shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a front view for the support structure shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a supportstructure for holding a plurality of the adapters shown in FIG. 1, thesupport structure being formed from the support structures shown in FIG.8 and FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a front view for the support structure shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an adapter block assembly utilizing thesupport structure shown in FIG. 12 and a plurality of the adapters shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an adapter connector piece for use inconnecting two of the adapters of the type shown in FIG. 1 together;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the adapter connector piece shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the adapter connector piece shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the adapter connector piece shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fixture for use in connectingtogether a plurality of the adapters shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is a front view of the fixture shown in FIG. 19; and

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an adapter block assembly utilizing theconnector pieces shown in FIG. 15 and the fixture shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an adapter block assembly utilizing theconnector pieces shown in FIG. 15 and the fixture shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a flange clipusable with the adapter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 24 is a front view of the flange clip shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a flange clipusable with the adapter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 26 is a front view of the flange clip shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a panel clip usable with the adaptershown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the adapter shown in FIG. 1 with theflange clip of FIG. 23 installed onto the adapter;

FIG. 29 is a top view of the adapter and flange clip shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a side view of the adapter and flange clip shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the adapter and flange clip shown in FIG.28;

FIG. 32 is a front view of the adapter and flange clip shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the adapter and flangeclip shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the adapter shown in FIG. 1 with theflange clip of FIG. 25 and the panel clip of FIG. 27 installed onto theadapter;

FIG. 35 is a top view of the adapter, flange clip, and panel clip shownin FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a side view of the adapter, flange clip, and panel clip shownin FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a bottom view of the adapter, flange clip, and panel clipshown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 38 is a front view of the adapter, flange clip, and panel clipshown in FIG. 34; and

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the adapter, flangeclip, and panel clip shown in FIG. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the presentdisclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts. Additionally, any examplesset forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting andmerely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appendedclaims.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a fiber optic connectionsystem 10 is shown. System 10 includes a first fiber optic connectioncomponent 12 (e.g., a male fiber optic connector) terminating a firstfiber optic cable 14 and a second fiber optic connection component 12(e.g., a second male fiber optic connector) terminating a second fiberoptic cable 14. The male connectors 12 are configured to intermate forpassing the fiber optic signal between the cables 14 through anintermediate fiber optic adapter 20 according to the features of thesystem 10.

In the depicted embodiments of the disclosure, the fiber opticconnection system 10 is configured as a multi-fiber connection systemthat is configured to align a plurality of optical fibers carried byeach cable. In the depicted embodiments of the disclosure, the multiplefibers can be generally aligned in a row, similar to that of aribbonized fiber formation. The fiber optic connection systems 10 of thepresent disclosure may be configured to fit within conventionalfootprints provided in the telecommunications industry. It is noted thatthe concepts disclosed for the adapter 20 may be utilized with any typeof adapter (e.g. SC, MPO, etc.) and other types of connector assemblies,such as copper jack/plug assemblies and standard fiber optic connectors.

Further details relating to the system 10, including adapter 20, aredescribed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/255,171,and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/254,867 and incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

Adapter 20

With reference to FIGS. 2-7, the adapter 20 is shown in further detail.As shown, the adapter has a housing 22 extending between a first end 24and a second 30. At the first end 24, a connector port 26 for receivingthe fiber optic connector 12 is provided. The connector port 26 isaccessible only through a pair of spring loaded shutters 28 that aredesigned to be opened by insertion of the fiber optic connector 12.Similarly, the second end is provided with a connector port 32 forreceiving the fiber optic connector 12, which is also only accessiblethrough a pair of spring loaded shutters 34. Although the disclosedadapter 20 has two ports 26, 32 the disclosure is not limited to onlysuch an embodiment, and the concepts presented herein are applicable forsingle port adapters without departing from the concepts presentedherein.

The adapter housing 22 is shown as having a top side 36, a bottom side38, a first sidewall 40, and a second sidewall 42 which extend betweenthe first and second ends 24, 30. As shown, the adapter housing 22 has awidth W1 extending between the first and second sidewalls 40, 42 and hasa height H1 extending between the top and bottom sides 36, 38.

In one aspect, the adapter housing 22 defines a recessed area 44 forreceiving a panel clip that can be used to secure the adapter 20 to apanel. The recessed area 44 represents a surface area of the housing 22that is recessed with respect to the remaining portion of the outersurface of the housing 22. As shown, the recessed area 44 extends aboutthe first sidewall 40, the bottom side 38, and the second sidewall 42and provides an area for the panel clip to be snap-fit onto the housing22.

The adapter housing 22 is further shown as including a slot structure50. The slot structure 50 is for receiving an accessory connector whichcan take the form of various flanges, clips, support structures (e.g.support structures 100, 110, 120, and fixture 150, discussed later),interconnecting features (e.g. connector 140, discussed later), andother accessories. The slot structure 50 is configured as a recesswithin the adapter housing 22 and extends about the first sidewall 40,the bottom side 38, and the second sidewall 42. As shown, the slotstructure 50 includes a first portion 52 recessed from the firstsidewall 40, a second portion 54 recessed from the bottom side 38, and athird portion 56 recessed from the second sidewall 42. The first,second, and third portions 52, 54, 56 for a contiguous recess within theadapter housing 22. In the embodiment shown, the slot structure 50 islocated at the midpoint of the adapter housing 22. However, otherlocations are possible without departing from the concepts herein.

As shown, the slot structure first portion 52 is formed by a pair ofsidewalls 52 a, 52 b extending from an end wall 52 c. Similarly, theslot structure second portion 54 is formed by a pair of sidewalls 54 a,54 b extending from an end wall 54 c while the slot structure thirdportion 56 is formed by a pair of sidewalls 56 a, 56 b extending from anend wall 56 c. The distance between the sidewalls 52 a/54 a/56 a and thesidewalls 52 b/54 b/56 b is defined by a distance D1. Each of the endwalls 52 c and 56 c is respectively recessed from the outer surface ofthe housing 22 by a distance D2 and D3 while the end wall 54 c isrecessed from the outer surface of the housing 22 by a distance D4. D2and D3 can be equal to each other or can be different values. As aresult of this configuration, the end walls 52 c and 56 c are separatedby a width W2 that is equal to the first width W1 minus the sum of thesecond and third distances D2, D3. Similarly, the height H2 of the mainhousing 22 at the location of the slot structure 50 is equal to theheight H1 minus the distance D4.

In one aspect, the slot structure 50 can be provided with one or moresecuring features for retaining the flange or clip within the slotstructure 50. In the embodiment shown, the first portion 52 of the slotstructure 50 is provided with a recessed notch 58 that extends aroundthe sidewalls 52 a, 52 b and into the end wall 52 c. Likewise, the thirdportion 56 of the slot structure 50 is provided with a recessed notch 60that extends around the sidewalls 56 a, 56 b and into the end wall 56 c.Accordingly, the notches 58, 60 can be used to receive correspondingprotrusions extending from a flange or clip that extends to any of thesidewalls 52 a, 52 b and end wall 52 c and/or sidewalls 56 a, 56 b andend wall 56 c. Although a notch 58, 60 is shown in the embodimentspresented, the securing feature could be a protrusion that extends intoa corresponding notch or recess of the flange or clip. Additionally, thesecond portion 54 of the slot structure could be provided with acorresponding notch or protrusion instead of or in addition to thenotches 58, 60.

Interconnection Arrangements

Referring to FIGS. 8-22, several embodiments and arrangements offixtures and interconnection arrangements for joining a plurality ofadapters 20 together are shown.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a first support structure 100 is shown. Thefirst support structure 100 is configured with a fork-shaped profilelying in a single plane in which a plurality of extension members 102extend from a base member 104 to define spaced channels 106. Thechannels 106 are each configured to receive a plurality of adapters 20.This is accomplished by sliding an adapter 20 into the channels 106 suchthat the adjacent extension members 102 are received in the slotstructure 50 of the adapter 20. The support structure 100 has athickness T1 that is generally about the same as the opening dimensionD1 of the slot structure 50. In the arrangement shown, four channels 106are defined that can each hold up to five adapters 20. However, itshould be appreciated that the support structure 100 could be configuredto hold any number of columns and rows of adapters 20 without departingfrom the concepts herein. Where desired, the extension members 102 canbe provide with protrusions for engaging with the notches 58, 60 of theadapter 20 to provide for either a snap-fit type connection or anindexing-type connection.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a second support structure 110 is shown inwhich extension members 112, 113 extend from a base 114 to definechannels 116 in multiple planes. The extension members 112, 113 areprovided with a thickness T1 similar to those for the support structure100. However, an intermediate extension 113 is provided with a z-shapedprofile to offset the plane within which the adjacent channels aredisposed. In the arrangement shown, two channels 116 are defined thatcan each hold up to five adapters 20. However, it should be appreciatedthat the support structure 110 could be configured to hold any number ofcolumns and rows of adapters 20 without departing from the conceptsherein. Additionally, any number and combination of extension members112 and 113 may be utilized to create a desired number of channels 116in one or several planes. For example, all of the intermediate extensionmembers in the support structure 110 could be extension members 113.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show an embodiment of a support structure 120 in whichthe support structures 100 and 110 are joined together to form a singlestructure. This could be accomplished through bonding of the supportstructures 100, 110 together or could be accomplished by simply formingthe support structure as a single unitary component 120 out of amaterial such as plastic or metal. FIG. 14 shows an example of how thesupport structure 120 can be utilized to form an adapter block assembly130 by stacking adapters 20 directly on top of each other into each ofthe channels 106, 116. As can be seen, some of the channels are filledwith five adapters 20 while others only have four adapters 20. Thisdemonstrates the flexibility of such a system in that additionaladapters 20 can be easily added at a later time.

The disclosed configuration also allows for a high density solution inwhich the adapters can be in direct contact with each other in either orboth the horizontal and vertical directions (i.e. in contact with otheradapters 20 above and below, and from side to side). Where each of theadapters 20 is configured to receive a 144 multi-fiber connector 12, thesupport structures 100, 110, and 130 can support about 30 fibers persquare centimeter or more when using the overall height and width of thestacked adapters 20 as the basis for the area.

Referring to FIGS. 15-18 and adapter connector 140 is shown. Adapterconnector 140 is for connecting two adapters 20. As shown, the adapterconnector includes a pair of oppositely positioned legs 142 that areconnected together by a base member 144 intersecting the midpoint of thelegs 142. The base member 144 has a width and length that generallymatches that of the adapter 20 such that the base member 144 does notproject beyond the adapter 20. In other arrangements, the base member144 can be configured with a larger or smaller dimension, in one or moredirections, than the adapters 20.

The legs 142 are configured to be received into the slot structure 50 ofthe adapter 20 along the first and third portions 52, 56. The legs havea thickness T2 near the base member 144 and a thickness T3 that is abouthalf the thickness of the thickness T2. This half thickness allows for aleg 142 of one connector 140 to overlap with and connect to the leg 142of another connector 140 such that the overlapping portions add up tothe thickness T2. The legs 142 have a width that is about the same asthe depth D2/D3 of the slot structure first and third portions 52, 56such that the legs 142 do not extends beyond the sides 40, 42 of theadapter 20 once installed.

At the half thickness portion of the leg 142 a pair of oppositelypositioned snap-fit connection points 146 are provided, wherein one ofconnection points is a ramped protrusion and the other of the connectionpoints is a recess for receiving the ramped protrusion. As shown, thepair snap-fit connection points 146 are located on only one end of theleg 142. However, both ends of the legs 142 could be provided withsnap-fit connection points 146.

Once the legs 142 are inserted into the slot structure 50 and areoverlapping, the snap-fit connection points 146 of one leg 142 snap-fitwith the snap-fit connection points 146 of the overlapping leg 142. Asthe thickness T2 or T3+T3 is about the same as the width D1 of the slotstructure 50, the legs 142 are constrained by walls 56 a/56 b and 52a/52 b such that the snap-fit connection must occur in order for thelegs 142 to be fully inserted such that the base structure 144 isadjacent the top surface 36 and/or bottom surface 38 of the adapterhousing 22.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, a fixture 150 is shown for supporting aplurality of adapters 20 aligned in a single row array. The fixture 150and the connectors 140 can be used together to form an adapter blockassembly 160. As shown, the fixture 150 includes a base portion 152 anda plurality of extension members 154/156 configured to form a snap-fitconnection with the legs 142 of the connectors 140.

The extension members 154 are configured generally similarly to the legs142 in that they have a width that is about the same as the depth D2/D3of the slot structure first and third portions 52, 56. The extensionmembers 154 are located on the outbound ends of the array and thereforeonly connect to one side of a single adapter 20. Each of the extensionmembers 154 is provided with a pair of snap-fit connection points 158configured for forming a snap-fit connection with the snap-fitconnection points 146 of the leg 142 to which it is attached.

In contrast to the outbound extension members 154, the intermediateextension members 156 have double the width equal to two times the depthD2/D3 of the slot structures such that each extension member 156 canextend horizontally between the slot structures 50 of adjacent adapters20. To facilitate a secure connection between the extension members 156and the two connectors 140 which will be ultimately attached, eachextension member 156 is provided with two pairs of snap-fit connectionpoints 158. This configuration allows for a snap-fit connection betweenthe snap-fit connection points 158 and the snap-fit connection points146 of the connector legs 142. Similar to the legs 142, each side of theextension member 156 is provided at a half thickness T3 such that theoverlapping part of the extension member 156 and the leg 142 combine tohave a width T2.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, connector block assemblies 160 are shownutilizing the fixture 150 and the connectors 140. As can be readilyappreciated, the fixture 150 and connectors 140 provide for a method ofconstructing a connector block assembly 160 in which adapters 20 areinitially placed between the extension members 154 and/or 156 of thefixture 150 at desired locations. Once those adapters 20 have beeninstalled, a second row of adapters 20 can be built. To facilitate this,the connectors 140 are placed on top of the adapters 20 and depresseduntil the legs 142 of the connectors 140 snap-fit onto the extensionmembers 154/156. This action fully secures the adapter 20 to the fixtureas the extension members 154/156 and legs 142 prevent axial and lateralmovement of the adapter 20 and the snap-fit connection between theextension members 154/156 and legs 142 prevents vertical and lateralmovement of the adapter 20. The adapter block assembly 160 can continueto be built by alternatingly placing adapters 20 onto the connectors 140and placing connectors 140 on top of the adapters 20 until the desiredconfiguration is obtained. It is noted that the connectors 140 can beutilized independently from the fixture 150 to interconnect any numberof desired adapters 20.

This system and method of building an adapter block assembly 160provides for a high density solution while minimizing the initialinvestment required to build a smaller configuration that can be laterexpanded. Additionally, the investment in some supporting hardware canbe entirely avoided if the system is not eventually fully expanded.

Additional Interconnection Arrangements

Referring to FIGS. 23-39, several additional embodiments of accessoryconnectors for installation on the adapter 20 are shown.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show a first flange clip 200 configured to be mounted tothe adapter 20 via the slot structure 50. As shown, the flange clip 200includes a main body 202 having a generally u-shaped opening 204defining side edges 204 a, 204 b, and 204 c. The u-shaped opening 204has an opening dimension D5 that is about equal to the width W2. Themain body 202 is provided with a thickness T4 that is the same orslightly less than the distance D1 of the slot structure 50.Additionally, the main body 202 has a height H3 that is about the sameas the height H1 of the adapter main housing 22. The main body 202defines a width W3 that is larger than the width W1 of the adapter mainhousing 22. To facilitate insertion of the clip 200, the side edges 204a, 204 b, and 204 c are provided with a radiused or curvedcross-sectional shape.

As shown at FIGS. 28-33, the flange clip 200 can be slid into the slotstructure 50 such that the adapter main housing 22 is received into theopening 204 of the flange clip main body 202. The flange clip 200 isalso shown as being provided with ramped protrusions 206 and 208 thatare respectively configured to be received into notches 58 and 60 of theadapter slot structure 50. Taken together, the ramped protrusions 206,208 and notches 58, 60 provide for a snap-fit type connection betweenthe flange clip 200 and the adapter main housing 22. This connection isshown in greater detail in cross-sectional view of FIG. 33. The flangeclip 200 may also be provided with apertures 210. Apertures 210 canreceive fasteners which can be utilized to secure the flange clip 200,and thus the adapter 20, to a fixture such as a panel.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show a second flange clip 220 configured to be mountedto the adapter 20 via the slot structure 50. As shown, the flange clip120 includes a main body 122 having a generally u-shaped opening 124defining side edges 124 a, 124 b, and 124 c. The u-shaped opening 124has an opening dimension D5 that is about equal to the width W3. Themain body 122 is provided with a thickness T4 that is the same orslightly less than the distance D1 of the slot structure 50.Additionally, the main body 222 has a height H3 that is about the sameas the height H1 of the adapter main housing 22. The main body 222defines a width W4 that is slightly larger than the width W1 of theadapter main housing 22, but that is less than width W3 of the firstflange clip 200. To facilitate insertion of the clip 220, the side edges224a, 224b, and 224c are provided with a radiused or curvedcross-sectional shape.

As shown at FIGS. 34-39, the flange clip 220 can be slid into the slotstructure 50 such that the adapter main housing 22 is received into theopening 224 of the flange clip main body 222. The flange clip 220 isalso shown as being provided with ramped protrusions 226 and 228 thatare respectively configured to be received into notches 58 and 60 of theadapter slot structure 50. Taken together, the ramped protrusions 226,228 and notches 58, 60 provide for a snap-fit type connection betweenthe flange clip 220 and the adapter main housing 22. This connection isshown in greater detail in cross-sectional view of FIG. 24.

Referring to FIG. 27, the panel clip 230 is shown in greater detail. Asstated previously, the panel clip 230 is configured to be mounted to theadapter 20 via the recessed area 44 in the adapter housing 22. As shown,the panel clip 230 is formed as a generally u-shaped member having afirst portion 232, a second portion 134, and a third portion 236extending between the first and second portions 232, 234. In oneexample, the panel clip 230 is formed from a metallic material, whereinthe panel clip 230 can be snapped into the recessed area 44 by virtue ofthe shape of the panel clip 230 and the spring properties of thematerial. As shown, the first portion 232 includes a first clip portion238 while the second portion 234 includes a second clip portion 240.

The panel clip 230 is shown as being installed on the adapter 20 atFIGS. 33-39. In one aspect, the first and second clip portions 238, 240of the panel clip 230 are directed towards the flange 200/220. Thisconfiguration allows for the adapter 20 and the attached panel clip 230to be inserted through an opening of a panel (or other fixture) up tothe point that the flange 200/220 contacts the panel. As the panel clip230 passes fully through the panel, the clip portions 238, 240 expandand lock against the back side of the panel. At this point, the panelclip 230 and flange 200/220 sandwich the panel to secure the adapter 20to the panel. Although not shown at FIGS. 28-32, the panel clip 230 canbe easily installed onto the adapter 20 regardless of which flange200/220 is mounted to the main housing 22 of the adapter 20.

The concepts disclosed herein result in lower manufacturing costs as thesame housing 22 can be used in many network applications by simplypairing the housing 22 with the desired flanges and/or panel clips. Thismodular approach further allows for easy introduction of new flanges andpanel clips that will meet future design criteria without requiring aredesign of the housing 22.

Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that thescope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrativeembodiments set forth herein.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   10 Fiber optic connection system-   12 First fiber optic connection component/male fiber optic connector-   14 First fiber optic cable-   20 Adapter-   22 Housing-   24 First end-   26 First port-   28 Spring loaded shutter-   30 Second end-   32 Second port-   34 Spring loaded shutter-   36 top side-   38 bottom side-   40 first side-   42 second side-   44 recessed area for panel clip-   50 slot structure-   52 first portion-   52 a sidewall-   52 b sidewall-   52 c end wall-   54 second portion-   54 a sidewall-   54 b sidewall-   54 c end wall-   56 third portion-   56 a sidewall-   56 b sidewall-   56 c end wall-   58 notch-   60 notch-   100 support structure-   102 extension member-   104 base-   106 channel or opening-   110 support structure-   112 extension member-   113 extension member-   114 base-   116 channel or opening-   120 support structure-   130 adapter block assembly-   140 connector-   142 leg-   144 base-   146 snap-fit connecting point-   150 fixture-   152 base-   154 extension members-   156 extension members-   158 snap-fit connecting point-   200 first flange-   202 body-   204 recess-   204 a side edge-   204 b side edge-   204 c side edge-   206 first projection-   208 second projection-   210 apertures-   220 second flange-   222 body-   224 recess-   224a side edge-   224b side edge-   224c side edge-   226 first projection-   228 second projection-   230 panel clip-   232 first portion-   234 second portion-   236 third portion-   238 first clip portion-   240 second clip portion-   D1 first distance-   D2 second distance-   D3 third distance-   D4 fourth distance-   H1 first height-   T1 first thickness-   T2 second thickness-   T3 third thickness-   T4 forth thickness-   W1 first width-   W2 second width

What is claimed is:
 1. An adapter block assembly (130) comprising: aplurality of adapters (20) including: a housing (22) having opposing topand bottom sides (36, 38) defining a first height (H1) and havingopposing first and second sidewalls (40, 42) defining a first width(W1), the housing (22) extending between a first end (24) and a secondend (30), wherein the housing (22) includes at least one port (26, 32)for receiving a fiber optic connector (12); a slot structure (50)defined with the housing (22), the slot structure (50) extending alongthe first sidewall (40) and the second sidewall (42); a supportstructure (100, 110, 120) for holding the plurality of adapters (20),the support structure (100, 110, 120) being received into the slotstructures (50) of the adapters (20).
 2. The adapter block assembly(130) of claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a plurality ofextension members (102, 112) extending from a base (104, 114) to defineopenings (106, 116).
 3. The adapter block assembly (130) of claim 2,wherein the extension members (102, 112, 113) are received into the slotstructures (50) of the adapters (20).
 4. The adapter block assembly(130) of claim 2, wherein the plurality of extension members (102) liewithin the same plane.
 5. The adapter block assembly (130) of claim 2,wherein at least one of the extension members (102) lies within adifferent plane from which other extension members (112) lie.
 6. Theadapter block assembly (130) of claim 5, wherein one of the extensionmembers (113) defines a z-shaped cross-sectional profile.
 7. The adapterblock assembly (130) of claim 2, wherein each opening (106, 116) isconfigured to retain at least five of the adapters (20).
 8. An adapterblock assembly (160) comprising: a plurality of adapters (20) including:a housing (22) having opposing top and bottom sides (36, 38) defining afirst height (H1) and having opposing first and second sidewalls (40,42) defining a first width (W1), the housing (22) extending between afirst end (24) and a second end (30), wherein the housing (22) includesat least one port (26, 32) for receiving a fiber optic connector (12); aslot structure (50) defined with the housing (22), the slot structure(50) extending along the first sidewall (40) and the second sidewall(42); a fixture (150) for holding the plurality of adapters (20), thefixture (150) including a plurality of extension members (154,156), atleast some of which are received into the slot structures (50) of theadapters (20).
 9. The adapter block assembly (160) of claim 8, whereinthe adapter block assembly (160) further includes a plurality ofconnectors (140) secured to at least some of the extension members (154,156) or to others of the plurality of connectors (140), the connectors(140) being engaged with the slot structures (150) of the adapters (20).10. The adapter block assembly (160) of claim 9, wherein the connectors(140) engage with the extension members (154, 156) with a snap-fit typeconnection.
 11. The adapter block assembly (160) of claim 10, whereinthe snap-fit type connection occurs within a slot structure (50) of anadapter.
 12. The adapter block assembly (160) of claim 8, wherein thefixture (150) includes a base plate (152) from which the extensionmembers (154, 156) extend.
 13. The adapter block assembly (160) of claim11, wherein the connectors (140) are configured to connect to each otherwith a snap-fit type connection.
 14. An adapter block assembly (20, 140)comprising: a plurality of adapters (20) including: a housing (22)having opposing top and bottom sides (36, 38) defining a first height(H1) and having opposing first and second sidewalls (40, 42) defining afirst width (W1), the housing (22) extending between a first end (24)and a second end (30), wherein the housing (22) includes at least oneport (26, 32) for receiving a fiber optic connector (12); a slotstructure (50) defined with the housing (22), the slot structure (50)extending along the first sidewall (40) and the second sidewall (42); afirst connector (140) having a pair of legs (142) and a base (144)extending between the legs (142), the pair of legs being received intothe slot structures (50) of two adjacent adapters (20).
 15. The adapterblock assembly (20, 140) of claim 14, further including a secondconnector (140) having a pair of legs (142) and a base (144) extendingbetween the legs (142), wherein at least two legs (142) of each of thefirst and second connectors (140) extend into the a slot structure of anadapter (20).
 16. The adapter block assembly (20, 140) of claim 15,wherein the at least two legs (142) of the first and second connectors(140) form a snap-fit connection with each other.
 17. The adapter blockassembly (20, 140) of claim 16, wherein the snap-fit connection betweenthe legs (142) occurs within the slot structure (150).
 18. The adapterblock assembly (20, 140) of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of thelegs 142 that are snap-fit together are overlapping within the slotstructure (50).
 19. The adapter block assembly (20, 140) of claim 14,wherein at least a portion of the legs (142) has a thickness that isabout half of a width of the slot structure.
 20. The adapter blockassembly (20, 140) of claim 14, wherein the base (144) is adjacent thetop side (36) of one adapter (20) and is adjacent the bottom side (38)of another adapter (20).
 21. The adapter block assembly (130) of claim2, wherein a single adapter (20) is disposed in each opening (106, 116)to form a single row array of adapters (20).
 22. The adapter blockassembly (130) of claim 1, wherein the support structure includes aplurality of extension members (102, 112) extending from a base (104,114) to define an opening (106, 116), wherein the adapters (20) aredisposed within the opening (106, 116) to form a single column array ofadapters (20).
 23. The adapter block assembly (130) of claim 1, whereinthe support structure includes a plurality of extension members (102,112) extending from a base (104, 114) to define an opening (106, 116),wherein a plurality of adapters (20) are disposed within each opening(106, 116) to form a multiple row and column array of adapters (20). 24.A method for building an adapter block assembly comprising: a. providinga plurality of adapters, each of which having a slot structure definedin a housing of the adapter; b. providing a fixture having a base and aplurality of extension members; and c. inserting the adapters onto thebase such that at least one of the extension members engages with theslot structure of each inserted adapter.
 25. The method of claim 24,further comprising: a. providing a plurality of clips, each of whichhaving upward and downwardly extending legs; b. inserting one of theclips onto an inserted adapter such that the clip forms a snap-fitconnection with the extension members engaged with the slot structure ofthe adapter.
 26. A fiber optic adapter assembly (20) comprising: ahousing (22) having opposing top and bottom sides (36, 38) defining afirst height (H1) and having opposing first and second sidewalls (40,42) defining a first width (W1), the housing (22) extending between afirst end (24) and a second end (30), wherein the housing (22) includesat least one port (26, 32) for receiving a fiber optic connector (12); aslot structure (50) defined with the housing (22), the slot structure(50) extending along at least one of the bottom side (38), the firstsidewall (40), and the second sidewall (42); a flange clip (200, 220)removably inserted into the slot structure (50), the flange clip (200,220) having a second width (W3, W4) that is greater than first width(W1).
 27. The fiber optic adapter assembly (20) of claim 26, wherein theslot structure (50) contiguously extends across each of the bottom side(38), the first sidewall (40), and the second sidewall (42) of thehousing.
 28. The fiber optic adapter assembly (20) of claim 26, whereinthe slot structure (50) and the flange (200, 220) are secured to eachother via a snap-fit connection.
 29. The fiber optic adapter assembly(20) of claim 28, wherein the snap-fit connection includes at least onerecessed notch (58, 60) located within the slot structure (50) and atleast one corresponding protrusion (206/208, 226/228) located on theflange (200, 220).
 30. The fiber optic adapter assembly (20) of claim26, further comprising: a panel clip (230) mounted onto the housing(22).
 31. The fiber optic adapter assembly (20) of claim 30, wherein thehousing (22) is provided with a recessed area (44) for receiving thepanel clip (230).
 32. The fiber optic adapter assembly (20) of claim 31,wherein the panel clip (230) and the recessed area (44) extend aroundthe first and second sidewalls (40, 42) and the bottom side (38). 33.The fiber optic adapter assembly (20) of claim 32, wherein the panelclip (230) includes a pair of clip portions (238, 240) that extendtowards the flange clip (238, 240).
 34. The fiber optic adapter assembly(20) of claim 26, wherein the flange (200, 220) has a height (H3) thatis approximately equal to the first height (H1) of the housing (22). 35.A connector assembly (20) comprising: a housing (22) having opposing topand bottom sides (36, 38) defining a first height (H1) and havingopposing first and second sidewalls (40, 42) defining a first width(W1), the housing (22) extending between a first end (24) and a secondend (30), wherein the housing (22) includes at least one receptacle (26,32) for receiving a connector (12); a slot structure (50) defined withthe housing (22), the slot structure (50) extending along at least oneof the bottom side (38), the first sidewall (40), and the secondsidewall (42); a flange clip (200, 220) removably inserted into the slotstructure (50), the flange clip (200, 220) having a second width (W3,W4) that is greater than first width (W1).
 36. The connector assembly(20) of claim 35, wherein the slot structure (50) contiguously extendsacross each of the bottom side (38), the first sidewall (40), and thesecond sidewall (42) of the housing.
 37. The connector assembly (20) ofclaim 35, wherein the slot structure (50) and the flange (200, 220) aresecured to each other via a snap-fit connection.
 38. The connectorassembly (20) of claim 37, wherein the snap-fit connection includes atleast one recessed notch (58, 60) located within the slot structure (50)and at least one corresponding protrusion (206/208, 226/228) located onthe flange (200, 220).
 39. The connector assembly (20) of claim 35,further comprising: a panel clip (230) mounted onto the housing (22).40. The connector assembly (20) of claim 39, wherein the housing (22) isprovided with a recessed area (44) for receiving the panel clip (230).41. The connector assembly (20) of claim 15, wherein the panel clip(130) and the recessed area (44) extend around the first and secondsidewalls (40, 42) and the bottom side (38).
 42. The fiber optic adapterassembly (20) of claim 40, wherein the panel clip (230) includes a pairof clip portions (238, 240) that extend towards the flange clip (200,220).
 43. The connector assembly (20) of claim 35, wherein the flange(200, 220) has a height (H3) that is approximately equal to the firstheight (H1) of the housing (22).
 44. The connector assembly (20) ofclaim 35, wherein the receptacle (26, 32) is a fiber optic portconfigured to receive a fiber optic connector (12).
 45. The connectorassembly (20) of claim 35, wherein the flange (200) includes apertures(210) for receiving fasteners.
 46. A fiber optic adapter assembly (20)comprising: a housing (22) having opposing top and bottom sides (36, 38)defining a first height (H1) and having opposing first and secondsidewalls (40, 42) defining a first width (W1), the housing (22)extending between a first end (24) and a second end (30), wherein thehousing (22) includes at least one port (26, 32) for receiving a fiberoptic connector (12); and a slot structure (50) defined with the housing(22), the slot structure (50) extending along at least one of the bottomside (38), the first sidewall (40), and the second sidewall (42), theslot structure being located between the first and second ends (24, 30).47. The fiber optic adapter (20) of claim 46, wherein the slot structure(50) is located at a generally equidistant positon from the first andsecond ends (24, 30).
 48. A flange clip (200, 220) for an adapter havinga slot structure (50), the flange clip comprising: a. a main body havingan u-shaped open area defined by first, second, and third sidewalls (204a/204 b/204 c, 224 a/224 b/224 c); b. a snap fit projection (206, 226)located on the first sidewall (204 a, 224 a); and c. a snap-fitprojection (208, 228) located on the second sidewall (204 b, 224 b). 49.A method for building a fiber optic adapter assembly comprising: a.providing an adapter having a housing with a slot structure extendingalong at least a bottom side, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall ofthe housing; b. providing a flange clip having a main body having awidth greater than a width of the adapter housing, the flange clip mainbody defining an opening area; and c. inserting the flange clip into theadapter slot structure to form a snap-fit connection between the flangeclip and the adapter.